Epson's new projectors made for education, training

Epson America has been pushing into classrooms and training areas in recent months, with new projector models designed for those environments. Now the company is upping the ante, with two new product lines that are specifically created for education.

The new PowerLite S17, X17 and W17 are part of the first family. They are bright, powerful and affordable, and they were designed to be easy for teachers to use in K-12 classrooms. They offer advanced connectivity and high image quality and are available in SVGA, XGA and widescreen WXGA resolutions. This series also includes HDMI connectivity and gives instructors and presenters wireless functionality with an optional network module that is sold separately. The PowerLite S17, X17 and W17 are available for between $399 and $599.

The second family of PowerLite 97, 98, 99W, 955W and 965 projectors feature advanced network connectivity options where high image quality and sharing is needed. They are designed with more powerful audio and a range of networking options, including RJ-45 and HDMI connectivity. These projectors also feature new moderator software, which allows instructors to present up to four different device screens to the class, making collaboration easier in classrooms where students bring their own devices.

Administrators may also manage up to 1,024 Epson networked projectors using the included EasyMP software or Crestron RoomView to make sure that all projectors in their fleet are performing well without problems. The prices on the PowerLite 97, 98, 99W, 955W, and 965 range from $549 to $899.

All of the new projectors feature 3LCD technology that delivers true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations, according to Epson. 3LCD technology provides an energy-efficient light engine that uses available lamp light to improve image displays. In contrast to single-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness. Some of the new projectors also have Epson's exclusive E-TORL lamp technology. The PowerLite 955W and 965 lamps can last up to 6,000 hours when placed in economy mode, helping to maximize presentation time.

Other features include set up and positioning flexibility, with 30 degree automatic vertical and manual horizontal keystone correction. The Quick Corner software moves any of the four corners of an image independently so teachers can adjust for a perfectly rectangular picture.

Instructors can remotely deliver video and audio presentations over the network with the included EasyMP Network Projection software. Projectors can be used as a broadcast system to display announcements, event flyers, updates and instructions, with wireless functionality available via an optional wireless module.

All projectors also have USB Plug and Play that instantly projects images, transmits audio and controls the presentations from either a Windows PC or Mac via a standard USB cable.

The new projectors feature pre-designed line and graph pattern templates or customizable images to aid instruction, eliminating the need for teachers to draw lines and grids on a whiteboard or blackboard.

The Epson PowerLite S17, X17, W17, 97, 98, 99 and 965 will be available in November. The PowerLite 955W will be available in January 2014.